About the project

Synthetic fuels have the potential for a substantial contribution to sustainable mobility, providing also the possibility to store (even seasonal) surplus electric energy. A broad interest in power-to-gas has begun to grow (especially in Europe) in recent years, driven by the increasing share of wind and solar power. Indeed, this technology is considered a long-term solution for renewable electricity surplus storage through gas production. The PtG technology represents a link between the power and gas grids.

The main objective of IFAISTOS is to make the Power-to-gas technology a viable solution for long term storage:

• Integrated, by recycling carbon dioxide and exploiting renewable electrical energy
• Intelligent, by providing flexibility and efficiency through its optimal management
• Interoperable, by bridging electrical energy grid with natural gas networks and transport sector

These aims can be achieved by pursuing specific methods such as

• The digital twin of the system
• Smart controller
• Demonstration site
• Guidelines for system replicability and scalability
• Business model
• Procedures for fostering social acceptance

The project partnership involves two need-owners (Siram by Veolia and Mälarenergi), two research institutions (Center for Energy and Environment of the University of Parma and School of Business, Society and Engineering of the Mälardalen University) and a technology provider (Flowocean AB).

Work Packages

The project comprises seven work packages, targeting maximizing the quality of outputs and efficiently disseminating the scientific material.

• WP1 – Project management and coordination
• WP2 – System modeling and control
• WP3 – Process modeling and optimization
• WP4 – Demonstration in the energy sector
• WP5 – Business model and social issues
• WP6 – Exploitation and scalability
• WP7 – Knowledge community standard

Expected Key Results

Technology

• A mathematical model of electro-fuels production plant implemented in a simulation environment
• A model predictive controller that allows the system to be optimally managed considering the variability of the electrical energy source and the security of the primary process in which the system is integrated
• A set of operating procedures that allow the design of new plants integrated into industrial, energy, and tertiary processes and their application to three test cases (two in Italy, one in Sweden)

Market

• The analysis of the way this system can create value concerning its role of energy system flexibility provider, of a long term storage system, and carbon capture system

Adoption

• A collection of the main reasons for potential social opposition to this kind of strategies and indications on how to avoid them to achieve an easier commissioning phase

Ultimately, IFAISTOS will impact the fulfillment of European smart grids initiatives and Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) objectives since it focuses on integrating better storage and making the best use of connection with other networks. In IFAISTOS, the storage is performed by producing fuels that can be used in natural gas networks, heating production, and transportation.

Funding

This project has received funding in the framework of the joint programming initiative ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems’ focus initiatives Smart Grids Plus and Integrated, Regional Energy Systems, with support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreements No 646039 and 775970.

The global joint programming platform (JPP) ERA-Net SES unites 30 funding partners from European and associated countries. It functions as a network of owners and managers of national and regional public funding programs in research, technical development, and demonstration. It provides a sustainable and service-oriented joint programming platform to finance projects, develop technologies and solutions in thematic areas like smart power grids, integrated regional and local energy systems, heating and cooling networks, digital energy, smart services, etc.